Boks 64 – 15 USA

The Boks beat the USA 64-15 in their final pool game of Rugby World Cup 2007.

The Scorers:

South Africa 64
Tries: Schalk Burger, Frans Steyn, Bryan Habana (2), CJ van der Linde, Fourie du Preez, Jaque Fourie (2), Juan Smith.
Conversions: Percy Montgomery (6), Butch James (2).
Penalty: Percy Montgomery.

USA 15
Tries: Takudzwa Ngwenya, Chris Wyles
Conversion: Mike Hercus
Penalty: Mike Hercus.

BJ Botha’s World Cup is over after he suffered knee-ligament damage. He will be replaced by Jannie Du Plessis.

What they said:

Jake White (Bok Coach)

“We are very pleased. What we wanted to accomplish was to get some structure and continuity to our game – and some of the tries we scored were very pleasing. I don’t think the US are as weak as the scoreline suggests.

“The most important thing was that we put things together on a game day.

“We haven’t been executing them that well so far, but I was happy with the way we kept the ball alive.

“What we are working on is coming together. There was some very good rugby played at times and we showed some very good skill.

“We will certainly not be as loose against Fiji, so I am not concerned at some of the decision-making against the USA.

“The guys felt they could have a go at times and were prepared to take risks. In a quarter-final the attitude would be a bit different.”

The Boks will face Fiji in the Quarter Finals after the islanders knocked Wales out of the tournament on Saturday.

“I think everyone would have assumed Wales would win that game.

“But we mustn’t worry about who goes through. We have won our four group games – and now we have to win three knockout games.

“It’s now getting tough. But we have played Samoa and Tonga, so we have had practice against South Sea sides.”

Peter Thorburn (USA Coach)

“My players fought for every bit of ground.

“We didn’t get the rub of the green with the little things – they seem to go against the minnow sides.

“But we fought it out until the end. South Africa put their best side out to prove something and they will be fairly pleased with their work-out.

“People will look at the scoreboard, but that is not what the game was about.

“It was fantastic. I am so proud, as I was after the England game.

“Even though we haven’t had a win, we have really.”

John Smit (Bok Captain)

“For the majority of the 80 I would say we did well. We came nicely into the structure in the second 40 which was quite pleasing.

“We made some silly errors at crucial times, took some calculated risks in the wrong areas of the field as well and did some of the things we wouldn’t do in a playoff.

“But we’ve come through, we’ve had a successful pool and we’re now going to the do-or-die stages.”